$5m Cartier Diamond Necklace Smashes Pre-Sale Estimate
November 13, 24
(IDEX Online) - An Art Deco Cartier diamond necklace that belonged to the Sassoon family sold for just over $5m - almost three and a half times its high estimate - at Christie's Geneva.
The 1935 heirloom - total carat weight 130 carats to 140 carats, according to the catalogue - survived a World War II blast that destroyed the bank where it was being stored.
It carried a pre-auction estimate of $1m to $1.5m and was among the highlights of the 103-lot Magnificent Jewels event, which raised a total of $54.3m on Tuesday (12 November).
The Sassoons were a prominent merchant family, originally from Baghdad, who become part of Britain's social, cultural and political elite were known for their discerning taste and passion for fine jewelry.
Another highlight was the 37.41-ct Aga Khan Emerald, set in a platinum and gold Cartier brooch with 12 carats of white diamonds, which sold for $8.8m, exceeding its high estimate of $8.2m.
The brooch was originally commissioned by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan in 1960 as a gift to his wife Nina Dyer, prominent Anglo-Indian socialite and fashion model during their five-year marriage.
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